Last week Principal, Jon R. joined fellow education leaders and business representatives at the NETPark Impact Event - hosted as part of The Northern Echo's Impact campaign for jobs and investment - to speak openly and honestly about skills shortages, industry needs, and how education can adapt to meet future workforce demands. Our key takeaway? Working together is key! Education and industry need to be in sync to make sure students are learning the skills employers really need. Colleges, businesses, and policymakers all play a part in tackling skills shortages, and the best way forward is working together. We look forward to continuing to work together to drive skills, innovation, and investment in the North East. https://orlo.uk/BFoUW

Our Industry Advisory Board meetings are crucial for ensuring that we are providing our learners with the skills they need to succeed in their chosen careers. Last week was the turn of the Digital and Creative Industries (DCI) Advisory Board. In this quarterly meeting, our DCI colleagues shared faculty updates with - and heard industry insights from - local employers including James Hanson Layers Studio, Thea Scott CyberNorth, and Sian Wilson Day One. DCI Director of Faculty Veronica Spowart said: "A real highlight was our Topic Talks session, where members explored the barriers students face when transitioning into the workplace and the challenges industry encounters when working with colleges. "The insights shared were invaluable, and we’re excited to collaborate on solutions." If you think you could add to the conversation and would like to join the advisory board, please email libby.lagun@ncl-coll.ac.uk